Delegate Kathy Tran Selected as One of Nation’s Top Pro-Growth Progressive Leaders

Joins group of the most innovative Democratic state and local officials

Washington, D.C. - Today, State Delegate Kathy Tran (Springfield) was selected as one of ten leaders from nine states to join the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective national network of state and local leaders led by Honorary Co-Chairs U.S. Senator Mark Warner and former Governor Jack Markell. Members of the 150-plus-person network, who are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities, have been chosen from among more than 1000 nominations over its seven-year history.

Tran and her peers in the new class of leaders (listed below) were recognized for theirunwavering commitment to expanding opportunity, as they work to move their communities forward in the new economy and reject the idea that policymakers can or should want to turn the clock back to a prior era. These leaders’ work will help build on policy agendas NewDEAL develops for state and local officials, including the upcoming release of recommendations from the organization’s Future of Work Policy Group, as well as The Way Forward, an agenda that addresses the most pressing issues facing Americans in the digital age.

“While much of the political world is focused on how the balance of power in D.C. will shift in a couple of weeks, we must also remember the tremendous impact that innovative state and local officials have on enacting policies that meet the demands of a changing world and expand opportunity for all," said Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) and former Delaware Governor Jack Markell, Honorary Co-Chairs of NewDEAL. "Supporting the rising leaders in the NewDEAL has never been more important. We look forward to promoting the work of Delegate Tran and giving her the opportunity to learn from other leaders as she joins a network with a proven track record of winning and governing successfully in diverse communities.”

NewDEAL Leaders have found broad support for their work, with 98 percent of members winning elections in 2016 and 2017, across red, blue, and purple states, including eight elected to higher office. Four members were elevated to statewide office, including in the swing states of Pennsylvania and North Carolina. More than 25 leaders have run for higher office in 2018, including for Governor (such as Andrew Gillum in Florida and Stacey Abrams in Georgia) and Congress (such as Paul Davis in Kansas, Ben McAdams in Utah, Greg Stanton in Arizona, Clarke Tucker in Arkansas, and Jennifer Wexton in Virginia).

“As we continue to fight for better jobs, access to quality education, and economic security for the people of Virginia, I look forward to sharing the lessons we have learned and hearing from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance,” said Tran. “I’m excited to be a part of this new class and to work with them on NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunity in communities nationwide.”

Elected last year, State Delegate Kathy Tran has already demonstrated outstanding leadership in working to expand opportunity for more Virginians in the changing economy, including as a powerful advocate for women, veterans, and immigrants. Tran’s efforts include legislation to make higher education more accessible and affordable for those who have served the country, protecting women in the workplace, and expanding services for immigrants, recognizing the value they add to their communities and the economy.

About NewDEAL

The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy, and private sector leaders.

One of the organization’s signature events, the Annual NewDEAL Leaders Conference, will take place November 28-30 in Washington, DC, where about 70 NewDEAL Leaders will join other innovators from the public and private sectors to address lessons learned from the midterm elections and to discuss a forward-looking agenda for state and local Democrats to address the future of work and climate change, and rebuild trust in government.

Today’s announcement brings the total number of NewDEAL members – statewide officials, legislators, mayors, councilmembers, and other local leaders – to 165 leaders from 46 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Kathy KL Tran represents the 42nd District in the Virginia House of Delegates located in Fairfax County. As Delegate, Kathy works to strengthen our public schools, build a competitive workforce, honor our veterans and military families, expand access to affordable health care, advance commonsense gun safety policies, stand up for women, protect our environment, and create a welcoming and inclusive community where all Virginians can thrive.